So Cal Hockey

Since our time in Michigan, Troy has loved hockey. His favorite team is the Detroit Red Wings. He watches it as much as possible on tv (when his sisters allow it). He was overjoyed when we were invited to attend a hockey game with some friends Friday night. We got to experience minor league hockey at its finest while cheering on the Ontario Reign. There were dumb games for the fans, off-beat cheerleaders, Zamboni rides, fights, big boxes of over-salted popcorn and some great hockey! Troy was on the edge of his seat for most of the game holding his ticket in hand the whole time. Our friend, Vonn, was determined to get Troy a seat down by the ice, but it was not meant to be...for long. On the second try they got down right by the glass for a total of 7 minutes until a fight broke out right in front of them and alerted the attention of the seat Nazi's who kept a close eye on the empty season ticket holder's seats. Vonn and Troy were sadly escorted back to their original seats. Bummer, but Troy still loved it!

Layel and Elgersma kids.

Troy on the edge of his seat.

Funny how everyone stands up to watch a fight. (Love Garret's face.)

Garret making friends with the giant mascot.

Vonn and Troy down by the ice right after the fight.

The Rivalry

We took part in the watching of the "rivalry" game between Calvin and Hope last Saturday afternoon at a local restaurant. We have quite a contingency of Calvin alum in our area to cheer on our team. Most people there were cheering for Calvin, but there are always a couple Hope supporters too. Our friend Norma is always quite vocal in her support of her beloved Hope team. (She had a lot to cheer about this year, too.) There may or may not have been talk of some t.p.ing happening at Norma's house later that day. (Just kidding, Norma! It wasn't us, really.) Anyway, it was a fun afternoon even if the outcome was disappointing. It's hard to believe that most likely, Katie and Erin will be watching the game in person next year!

Troy, Kam and Brett taking a video game break.

Future Calvin students.

Kouwes in retro Calvin shirts.

Vander Wal/ Kouwe table.

Sweet Sarah and Livi-lu.

Celebrating Super Seniors

This week Katie had her last home game as a Varsity soccer player at ACA. Hard to believe Katie's soccer career is most likely coming to a close. She's had many good years on the fields of California and Michigan. From AYSO to club teams to Varsity level, it's all been fun. (Right?) At this last game, the two seniors got to be the captains for the day. The junior girls made signs and brought flowers and gifts for them which they presented after the game. The girls all get along pretty well and said some sweet things about Katie. Katie is known for her fun spirit and her big throw-ins. (She really can make that ball fly.) Katie's had a good season this year on defense. The team is in third place in their league and is headed for play-offs next week. (Let's see, next week...Katie has soccer. Kam has soccer and softball. Troy has baseball. We'll make it...somehow!)

Love the lighting of this shot.

Katie and her friend, Kelton.

No worries, I get looks like this regularly!

Katie and her friend, Emma, doing their half-time hand slap.

Coach Norma giving instruction.

Post-game festivities.

2011-12 ACA girls varsity soccer team.

Katie and coach Norma.

Ellen and Katie, the two Seniors.

Things They Don't Prepare You For in Seminary

To say our week was busy last week would be an understatement. There was a lot going on, especially at Redlands Christian. Scott and I were both involved in Spiritual Emphasis Week with the middle school kids and then it was also the Fine Arts Festival at school on Thursday. Kamryn performed a couple different pieces on her clarinet and I accompanied several groups. On Friday afternoon we had service day for school and after that I was about done! But there was more...Friday evening we headed out to Ontario to watch the ACA girls soccer team take on their rivals, Ontario Christian. This game would determine who was first in league. Unfortunately, we ended up losing, 1-0. The girls played hard, but couldn't get their offense together. (Katie had a great game on defense.) Saturday morning brought an interesting event. Redlands is big into Abraham Lincoln and is home to a large Lincoln Museum. (We have yet to visit it.) In honor of Lincoln's b-day this month, they held an assembly Saturday morning. Scott was asked to pray and be a part of it. Yes, it was an honor, but yes it was also quite amusing to see him up there on stage with Abe, Mary Todd and the mayor. We tried not to giggle (too loudly) every time Scott had to help Mary Todd Lincoln with her chair so she wouldn't tip over when she sat down in her big dress. The audience was mostly made up of Boys' and Girls' Scout troops from the area.

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On a more serious note...Scott left the bowl to make a visit to see our friends, The Perrenouds, in Loma Linda. As many of you know, we are praying for Angel who had a tough day yesterday. It's still not clear what the outcome of this major setback in his life will be. We are praying for healing for Angel and strength for his family.

Softball Continued...

Kamryn's middle school softball team continues to do very well. They played in their first playoff game yesterday out in Apple Valley. Apple Valley is in the high desert about an hour away from us. RCS played well, but couldn't hold their lead in the final innings. The other team ended up tying us just as it was getting dark. After the third out, the ump called the game with one more inning to play. Unfortunately we will need to go back up to finish the game on Monday. Kamryn played well at shortstop and got a hit every time at bat. It was funny this morning because she told me that she had a hard time sleeping because she kept replaying the game in her mind! Here are some pictures from our last home game...

Kam's up to bat.

She connects!

She receives instruction from Mrs. Wagner at first base.

She makes the run to second.

She waits for the batter to get her to third.

She and Mr. DeBoer wait at third.

She's on her way home!

Run scored.

You Did What?!

Scott and I had a little adventure yesterday. We drove 7 hours (3 and a half each way) in the car to watch a girls' CVC soccer game in Visalia. The team would be celebrating the accomplishment of 105 consecutive wins and Scott was the coach when the streak began! Scott was the first coach of the girls' soccer program at CVC ten years ago. We have fun stories of his time as the boys and then girls' coach. He has many fond memories of this time and it was special that they invited him back to participate in the festivities. We saw so many friends and people we knew yesterday at the game. It's always so fun to catch up with everyone in our old home town. We always say that going back to Visalia is like getting a giant hug and it's just a place where a lot of special people always cheer us on. Was it a long drive? Yes! Are we paying the price today? Yes! Was it worth it? Yes!

Scott enjoyed being interviewed by the Visalia Times Delta reporter.

This is what we don't miss about the valley-FOG!

We had a neat time of being able to talk with our friend, Lance Van Grouw and his mom, Lisa.

This banner was in honor of our friend, John DeGroot who passed away last year.

This is Scott and Coach Jacob. Scott coached Jacob and now Jacob is the girls' coach. Many stories, tears, and laughs that go back years between these two.